Possible Risks and Complications of Weight Loss Surgery

Although the laparoscopic technique is much safer in regard to surgery complications than open surgery and the instruments used nowadays allow for a accuracy and precision, surgery remains surgery and there will always be certain risks that patients are exposed to. Dr. Jeremy Korman, leading surgeon at LA Bariatrics weight loss center, believes it is essential for potential bariatric surgery patients to make an informed decision from every point of view (advantages and possible risks) when opting for one or another weight loss procedure.

Possible side-effects of weight loss surgery are dependant on the type of procedure (gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, lap band procedure, gastric plication) and on each case in particular, because each patient reacts differently to surgery. Side-effects include:

• Constipation
• Dumping syndrome
• Dairy intolerance
• Headaches
• Hair loss
• Low mood or depression

Complications can be early or late depending on whey do they occur and include:

• Deficiencies: iron, calcium, magnesium, B12, etc.
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anemia
• Pulmonary embolism
• Gastrointestinal leaks
• Ulcers
• Metabolic disease

There is no 100% guarantee to avoid these risks and complications, but certain eating and exercise behaviors can reduce the chance for them to occur. Bariatric specialists at the Los Angeles weight loss center recommend the following guidelines for quick and safe recovery and for low complication risks:

• No smoking. Not before, and especially not after weight loss surgery. If you are a heavy smoker, do everything in your power to give up smoking in the weeks prior to your weight loss surgery.
• Start exercising healthy eating habits even before surgery to reduce the post-operative shock caused by the dramatic change of lifestyle, but to also increase your chances for a successful bariatric surgery.
• Take short, slow walks in the first few days following surgery, as this will help avoid blood clots and will ensure optimal lung function.
• Exercise. Wherever, whenever. You can only win from having a strong heart and strong lungs and their strengthening is among the many health benefits of regular exercise. Do not forget to ask for your surgeon's recommendation though, as inadequate exercise can do you more harm than benefit.
• Learn from and together with others and join our support groups for emotional and motivational support, but also for up-to-date information on dieting and exercising guidelines

1. Prev:Improving Co-morbidities with Weight Loss Surgery
2. Next:Quick and safe weight loss with no prescription Adipex